Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, says that the enhancement of the agricultural and mining sectors in Nigeria can only be achieved if Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies support the economic diversification efforts of the Federal Government by deploying technology solutions which will foster growth.
Ngige made the call at a recent meeting with employees and stakeholders of Huawei Technologies, led by Tank Liteng, the Abuja managing director of the company.
He said, “we urge you to support the diversification efforts of the Federal Government by deploying ICT into agriculture and mining. These areas are largely untapped and we have a comparative economic advantage therein. Your assistance in these two sectors can help Nigeria generate additional revenue needed to re-inflate the economy.”
The minister expressed hope that international organisations doing business in the country will take a cue from Huawei.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing an economic downturn, “which even the developed countries of the world would have witnessed at one time or the other.”
Speaking to Liteng, Ngige added, “Your country China has passed through it but emerged for reasons of hard work and resilience. Nigeria shall certainly weather this storm and emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.”
Ngige also commended Huawei for its set of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Nigeria, which include the initiative to train 2000 youths in ICT.
The minister confirmed that he was fully aware that the selection process for the training had commenced.
Earlier in his remarks, Liteng stated that Huawei was committed to being a responsible corporate citizen, saying, “The training initiative is premised on the human capital development of the Nigerian youths in Information Technology.”
JUMOKE AKIYODE
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
